Help Family Honor McAdoo at Ottawa Community Blood Drive – February 15

January 18, 2012

Last month at the age of 84, Gene McAdoo passed away. Ottawa lost a valuable member of the community, and the American Red Cross lost a dedicated blood donor. In fact, McAdoo tried to put off going to the doctor because he wanted to make his 200th donation.

“Giving blood was a part of him,” said son John McAdoo. “We hope that since it was important to dad, other people in this community will take up this cause.”

To recognize Gene’s contributions and help reach that 200th donation, his family has worked with Red Cross to organize a blood drive in his memory.

The Ottawa Community Blood Drive will be held Wednesday, Feb. 15 from Noon to 6 p.m. at the Kansas Army National Guard, 208 W. 17th St., Ottawa, Kan.

Over the years, Gene donated 199 pints of blood, and may have helped close to 600 hospital patients, a significant contribution to people across Kansas.

“It was very important to my dad to make that 200th donation,” added John McAdoo. “I hope that people will join me in giving blood at this drive and together we can reach this milestone in his memory.”

How to Donate Blood:Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or log on to redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors 18 and younger. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.